IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 10

For those who are still battling frigid temps and are stuck on the indoor trainer, I apologize for what you are about to read…

It’s March in NorCal and it’s FRIGGIN’ GORGEOUS!

The sun was out, the birds were literally chirping and the mid-70s helped create a perfect week 10. Sure there was one day with a little rain and wind, but all was forgotten when you consider what the rest of the week had in store. Now on to week 10, which is the biggest week thus far (notice a trend?).

Mon., 3/18: Yoga/Core & SwimThe swims are getting longer (~2,800 yards) and my chicken arms are working hard to get used to it. Speed is lacking, but then again, I never claimed to be a strong swimmer.

Tues., 3/19: Run & Strength

Hill climb Tuesday! Thanks to Layla for the recommendation, I found a new hill climb just a couple miles away from my work. While I did feel like I was running uphill, in the rain and wind, both directions, it was enough to give my heart rate a run for it’s money.

Wed., 3/20: Ride & Run

Lately, after a hard ride and when I transition to running, I’m getting some pretty weird pains on the bottom of my injured foot. I take it slow and steady to loosen up the bottom of my foot. I’m not quite sure what’s happening, but massage and being careful with it seems to be working.

Thus., 3/21: Indoor Ride & Swim

An a.m. indoor trainer ride and a p.m. swim kicked off a busy next couple of days. Thursday was also the day that I said goodbye to my favorite Speedo “Long Hair” swim cap as it snapped on me right before I entered the pool. Thankfully, Club Sport has huge noggin’ caps available that didn’t leave me stranded. I also threw out my red training suit as I realized it had become a baggy, saggy disaster. Why didn’t anyone tell me?!

Fri., 3/22: Long Run

I was determined to get my long run done on Friday so I could enjoy our Sunday plans. But getting in 14 miles for work would have meant that I’d have to run over an hour, in the dark, by myself. I’m try to be extremely cautious of my personal safety while training and running solo in the dark never seems like a wise idea. Thus, I opted to run after work.

Gah, let me tell you, the last thing you want to do on a Friday after work is your long run. I found a general route and made my way around town for 14 miles. It started out a little toasty, then cooled down to the perfect early evening temps. I even got in a few lovely neighborhood trails.

At 10 miles, my ankle/foot/knee started giving me a little grief, but I took it slowly and steadily to ensure that I was able to finish my longest post-injury run yet. As I neared then end of my run, it was a race against the sun to get back to my car. When I finished, I was in my running euphoria zone. Not because of a great pace, but just the bliss of running. Better than any Friday night happy hour.

Sat., 3/23: Long Ride

Last year, Coach Paul hosted two long rides in Half Moon Bay and when I found out that this week’s long ride was in Half Moon Bay again, I was so excited as it is simply stunning.

My friend Ray and I started by the ocean, rode through towering eucalyptus trees, past rural pastures, and climbed…boy did we climb. I heeded Paul’s advice of going slow and easy up the climbs, rather than going for speed, and my legs thanked me in the end. 68 miles later, I was one happy camper (longest post-injury ride yet!).

If anyone has the chance to ride Half Moon Bay and it’s surrounding areas — DO IT! Your legs and soul will thank you.

Sun., 3/24: Rest

Chicken Face and I finally took advantage of the local wineries by getting tickets to Livermore’s Barrel Tasting Weekend. We probably only made it through 1/3 of all of the wineries that were participating, but after 17 tastings, this light weight was done and became increasingly hangry (note to self: must remember snacks). It was the perfect way for us to actually do something outside of train and school, and it was just another reason why I’m falling more in love with California (despite it’s ridiculous housing prices).

16 Responses to IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE: WEEK 10

The UK is shivering under an unseasonal blanket of snow, looks like it’s going to be a white Easter.. And. it’s really not conducive to getting my running back on track for summer. Please send some sunshine this way! Your blog is a great read, I love getting an insight into your Ironman training routine. I’ve run a few marathons but only done sprint distance tris so I am in awe of your commitment to distance. If you ever get bored of sunshine we could do a house swap?!

Houston TX is more of the same! Gorgeous weather the past few weeks, until this morning it was 39 and my pool was closed because of it! Your blog is very inspirational to me since I’m training for my first sprint tri, coming up May 4!